Here are some good first questions to ask and steps you can take that will help you move forward on your forest goals.

What do you have?

Take a slow walk through your woods with objective eyes and a notebook.

Describe what you see. Write down what kind of trees and plants you have, as well as their estimated age, quantity, and condition.

List questions and concerns you have. For example, you may want more information about weeds, pests, fire resistance, grazing, and/or legacy planning.

Map out important features, including structures, streams, drainages, and roads.

Get a sense of your property and how it fits into the larger landscape: watershed, elevation, history, wildlife habitat, zoning, topography, neighbors, etc.

What do you want to do with it?

Think about your reasons for owning the land and write down what you’d like it to look like and be used for over the long term. Identify which goals are most important to you.

What assistance is available to you?

Find out what people and programs are available to help you, including local experts and agencies, neighbors, grants, and cost-share programs.

Reach out to your local NRCS, ODF, and/or OSU Extension offices, take a look through the county resources listed on this page, ask an experienced neighbor, explore online: there are numerous excellent sources of free information to explore; several are included below.

What is your action plan?

Create a project list, breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks.

If you haven’t already requested a forester visit or connected with a MBMW neighbor mentor, this would be a good time to benefit from their knowledge and experience.